with Urban Temple Dharma Teacher Ryushin Paul Hallerin the zendo at City Center

Select Fridays in 2015:

February 13 February 20 (morning only) February 27 (morning only) March 6 March 20 (morning only)

9:30 am - 12:30 pm / 1:30 - 4:30 pm

Zazen is the practice of sitting with awareness and experiencing whatever arises. Throughout the history of Zen, the practice of zazen has been considered the primary agent of awakening. As Dogen Zenji declared, before bowing, offering incense or chanting Buddha’s name the practice of zazen reveals and expresses awakening. With this in mind, Zazenkai is a period of time dedicated to zazen with minimal traditional formalities.

These sittings are suitable for both beginners and experienced sitters. There will be instruction in the details of posture, breath and establishing the mental disposition of experiencing whatever arises. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions about one's practice.

The sitting will start at 9:30 am and end at 4:30 pm, with an hour for lunch (morning-only sessions end at 12:30 pm with no lunch). Within these blocks of time there will be scheduled periods of sitting and walking, with the option of continuing to sit through the walking meditation if desired.

Prior Instruction: Although general instruction for meditation is included in these events, it is recommended that participants attend public Zazen Meditation Instruction beforehand, which is available any Saturday at 8:40 am at 300 Page Street.

Fees: The fee to cover costs is $10 for either full- or half-day sessions. When full days are offered, it will be possible to attend either the morning or the afternoon session or both.

For full-day participation, please plan to bring a bag lunch, eat nearby, or provide an additional $10 donation for a vegetarian lunch at City Center (cash or check donations for the meal cost will be accepted on site).

Note: $10 covers San Francisco Zen Center's basic expenses in hosting the retreat, and for this offering in particular, we are relying on the additional generosity of the practitioners for support to continue this teaching and facilitate future zazenkais. There will be a donation box on site if you would like to donate.

To Register: Use the Register Online button above (available soon) for the date you wish to attend. Or call our toll free number (888.743.9362) or our local number (415.475.9362).

Ryushin Paul Haller (Urban Temple Dharma Teacher)Ryushin Paul Haller is a dharma heir of Sojun Mel Weitsman and has taught at Zen Center for over 20 years. He served as abiding abbot at City Center from 2003 to 2012, and remains at City Center as urban temple dharma teacher. Originally from Belfast, Northern Ireland, he teaches throughout the US and Europe and has led mindfulness programs to assist with depression and recovery. Paul has also taught in prisons and has a long involvement with the Zen Hospice Project. He has been practicing yoga for 25 years.